The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) now requires all financial influencers, or ‘finfluencers’, to register for a government-issued licence. This action is part of a larger attempt to regulate online financial advice and protect investors in an increasingly digital investment landscape.
With financial influencers gaining popularity on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, UAE authorities have expressed worries about unconfirmed investment suggestions, speculative advise, and potentially deceptive advertisements. The new licencing requirement ensures that only certified and vetted individuals provide financial advice to the public.
According to the SCA, influencers who discuss or promote financial products or services must apply for a license, meet professional standards, and disclose paid partnerships or affiliations. Failure to comply may result in penalties, content takedowns, or even legal action—a clear signal of the UAE’s zero-tolerance stance on unregulated financial marketing.
The introduction of the finfluencer license underscores the UAE’s commitment to creating a secure, transparent, and investor-friendly ecosystem, especially as young investors increasingly turn to social media for financial advice. The new rule is expected to build public trust while curbing misinformation in the digital finance space.
